Dordogne Boat Trips

Enjoy a different view of the Dordogne from the water, with a Dordogne boat trip. Admire the villages, castles and sheer rocky cliffs that make stunning backdrops as you gently cruise or paddle your way along the Dordogne River.

Gabares Norbert offer tranquil boat trips down the Dordogne river in replica 18th and 19th century Gabare boats. For part of the trip, the boat is powered by the traditional method of ‘rowing’, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the peace and serenity that the river offers.

The guides on the boat provide commentary relating to the river and its sites along the way. The boat trips are available from the 1st of April to the first Sunday in November

Description: Take a trip on a traditional wooden boat – based on those used in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport goods and especially wine down the Dordogne River.

Location: Most start in La Roque Gageac on D703, 3 km SE of Beynac and 12 km S of Sarlat.

General Info: Several  ‘cruise’ companies ply the Dordogne river, but the most well known are Les Gabares Norbert.   Their summer trip of a 1 hour round trip is approx Adults €8 and children €5. Commentary in English. Longer trips available from Vitrac and Calviac out of season.

Our Recommendations: Book in advance particularly during the summer months. We have taken the trip with children too young to go in a canoe, and have booked a trip on the way to dropping off older family members at a ‘Location de Canoe’.

For the Children: Nothing beats a DIY canoe ride down the river, but this is an alternative suitable for families with toddlers.

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Dordogne: